Balearic Islands to consider tourist limits as Spain faces backlash over holidaymaker influx

Spain is contemplating introducing 'limits' on tourists to address the persistent issue of overcrowding in popular holiday destinations. The Balearic government's president has expressed concerns that the current surge in tourist numbers is not only unsustainable but also fails to improve the wellbeing of local residents.

In recent months, protests have erupted across Spain, with demonstrators demanding stricter controls on the influx of holidaymakers each summer. They argue that this has led to crowded beaches, escalating rent prices, unstable employment and environmental damage.

On Thursday, Marga Prohens, the president of the Balearic Islands, stated that the high number of tourists, which reportedly reaches nearly 20 million annually, has compelled the government to consider 'limits and containment'. She clarified that these changes are not intended to demonise or oppose tourism, but insisted that 'courageous measures' and a 'change of course' are necessary.

Tourism is currently the primary industry in the Balearics, contributing to 87% of the GDP and 40% of employment on the islands, creating over 200,000 jobs. The local government is now engaging in discussions to address the 'unpostponable challenge' of transforming the region's economic model to facilitate co-existence between holidaymakers and residents while preserving the natural environment.

A new initiative named 'The Islands You Want' is being launched alongside the formation of 12 focus groups and a specialist committee to evaluate the feasibility of submitted proposals. Majorca Today has highlighted that the initiative will progress through six stages establishing a discussion forum, diagnosing the core issues, identifying potential solutions, achieving a consensus on necessary actions, and finally, implementing and monitoring the agreed measures, reports Birmingham Live.

Meanwhile, tensions flared this weekend as locals in Majorca rallied against the influx of tourists, disrupting beach access for holidaymakers. The protest saw residents carrying signs both in the sea and on the sands with messages such as: "Beware of locals, we are angry."

The dissenters argue that tourism no longer benefits the islands bars and restaurants due to the rise of all-inclusive resorts. Villager Matias Pizarro, 52, from Santanyi expressed his concern, remarking: "This is not just about tourists going on the beaches. The island's resources are so overstretched because of the demand from tourist places."

He continued with a dire assessment: "Mallorca is bursting at the seams and we are on a road to collapse both ecologically and societally. Local people can't afford rent or afford to study or work on anything that's not tourism. The situation is dire for a lot of people."

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